Editorial sample recipePunjabibeginnerhalalgluten-free

Amritsari Ajwain-Spiced Chicken Thighs

Name: Amritsari Ajwain-Spiced Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Punjabi
Ingredients: 600 g halal boneless skinless chicken thighs; 0.25 cup plain yogurt; 1 tsp carom seeds, ajwain, lightly crushed; 1 tsp dried pomegranate seed powder, anardana powder; 1 tsp red chili powder; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 2 tbsp mustard oil, or vegetable oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp salt

Crispy-edged chicken thighs coated in a vibrant marinate of carom seeds, tart pomegranate powder, yogurt, and golden spices.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min

AI-generated illustration of Amritsari Ajwain-Spiced Chicken Thighs

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Tawa Sear

Pan-searing marinated proteins on a dry hot surface to achieve intense caramelization similar to traditional tandoori cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Score surface of chicken thighs lightly with diagonal cuts to let spice mixture penetrate deeply.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, carom seeds, pomegranate seed powder, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice into a thick paste.

Step 3: Coat chicken thighs thoroughly with marinade and allow to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Heat mustard oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 5: Place marinaded chicken in skillet and pan-sear for 6-7 minutes per side until deeply charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Transfer chicken to a board, rest for 3 minutes, then serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

Cooking tips

Carom seeds (ajwain) lend a distinct herbal thyme-like aroma signature to traditional Amritsari grilled specialties.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Punjabi; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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